Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN on Friday at the closing of the maiden Gombe State Investment Summit said that improving Nigeria’s business environment is critical to “the prosperity of our great country.”
He added that State Governments can further boost economic growth and investments in their respective States by approaching development like a Sovereign State while improving the business environment for small businesses to thrive.
“The successes that we have seen here in Gombe are substantially on account of the effective collaboration of the private sector, the States and the Federal Government. Our Federation benefits our people when the States and Federal authorities alongside private actors think and work together.”
The VP, who highlighted significant improvements recorded by the Gombe State Government in this regard noted that “as a progressive government, we remain committed to policies and reform efforts that are geared towards economic diversification and improved productivity.”
Speaking specifically on the Nation-State nexus in development, using Gombe as an example, the Vice President noted that it was “fascinating that Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has approached the development of the State by thinking as a Sovereign State as opposed to thinking as a sub-national.”
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In the VP’s view, the Governor’s vision to draw up a 10-year development plan – Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and determination towards creating an enabling business environment, were key pivots to economic growth.
Commending the State Governor for his strong leadership and commitment, the Vice President added that Governor Yahaya also commissioned a Needs Assessment Survey, which he noted was “a vital first step towards developing a solid roadmap of reforms and programmes for the progress that we see today.”
The Vice President also urged for the government and the private sector to leverage the opportunities with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Prof. Osinbajo performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Domagric Integrated Rice Mill, which is located inside the 1000-hectare Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
Governor Inuwa had led a delegation of top officials of the State, traditional rulers and other dignitaries to receive the Vice President at the Gombe Airport. The VP was also accompanied on the visit by Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami and Special Adviser on Ease of Doing Business, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.